"As Jesus came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes." ­Luke 19:41-42

In this time of war, On Earth Peace grieves the suffering and pain on all sides, and the loss of life, the lives of Iraqis and our own sons and daughters. We pray for all the people of the world who are affected by war that they might find God's comfort and peace. We pray for the leaders of the world that they might seek God's wisdom in their decisions.

In this time of weeping, On Earth Peace calls all members of the Church of the Brethren to a deeper prayer and dependence on God in the midst of this conflict. We urge persons to follow Jesus' example of active compassion and forgiveness in whatever way they are led: prayer, teaching peace, public witness, working for justice, building healthy relationships in their own lives (especially where we have differences about this war).

In this time of seeking "the things that make for peace," we mourn that our nation's leaders were unable to find alternatives to war. We understand this bombing campaign and destruction of Iraq to be completely contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, we are encouraged by the energy that has been generated by people of peace who have gathered in the past few months to work to prevent this war. On Earth Peace is drawing on this energy to help the Church of the Brethren live out its peace witness. We will continue to serve congregations, districts, camps and colleges by providing resources, networking, ideas, and leadership, while working in partnership with other denominational agencies.

In this time of uncertainty, may the Church of the Brethren discern how our eyes can be opened to the things that make for peace, and may we come to life as the living body of Christ.